TEHRAN – Iran is focusing on branding and regulatory reforms in the health tourism industry as part of its plan to expand the sector, said Deputy Tourism Minister Anuhilvan Moseni Bampi.
Speaking at the previous event of the first International Parliament and Dental Exhibition in Tehran, Moseni Bandopey said the creation of the national health tourism brand and the launch of a comprehensive digital platform are two major initiatives currently underway by the Health Tourism Maneuver Council.
He said the measure aims to integrate services across the tourism and health sectors, helping the country better organize its capabilities and strengthen its position in regional and international markets.
“Combining the strengths of the health and tourism sector will help us to build great opportunities for cooperation,” he told participants, including representatives of experts and academics from D-8, ECO, ACD, IORA countries and Iran.
Mohseni-Bandpey highlights Iran’s advances in medical and dental equipment, research institutions and skilled professionals, and states that health tourism is one of the country’s competitive advantages. He added that a pilot version of the health tourism platform will be released in Mashhad and will be expanded to Tehran and Fars provinces in Government Week.
The Deputy Minister said the platform is designed so that all aspects of the stay of foreign patients in Iran, from travel and accommodation to treatment, are coordinated between the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts and the Ministry of Health.
He listed key issues that need to be addressed in the sector, including international insurance and payment systems, compliance with global standards and accreditations, post-treatment care, branding, talent training, and organisation of proficiency tours for international stakeholders.
According to Mohseni-Bandpey, the Health Tourism Steering Council has approved the establishment of a dedicated national brand for the sector for the Ministry of Health, with support from the Chamber of Commerce and the Iran Medical Council. The branding process will begin through a competitive festival format, he said.
He noted that Iran’s seventh national development plan set a health tourism revenue of $6 billion.
Mohseni-Bandpey also said that negative portrayals of Iran do not hinder the growth of health and religious tourism, which he described as a resilient sector that can counter the anti-Iranian narrative.
At the end of the event, the Deputy Minister visited an exhibition of Iran’s dental achievements and praised stakeholders for their contribution to the health and tourism sector.
The first official event, which will showcase Iran’s dental and health tourism capabilities, including equipment, materials, software and insurance services, will be held this fall with participation from international representatives and experts.
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